Calling all pregnant woman - excersizing while preggo

[sherrycoup]

Hi Ladies, i am 5 wks preggo after a loooong 2 1/2 years of trying .  I am about 40lbs overweight (185) and don't wanna gain too much weight with this pregnancy.   I want to try and stay heathly without gaining like 70lbs by wk 40 lol.  Anyone know of any good workout videos i should use?

[Michele, Katy, TX]

I do an exercise routine called "Walk it off".  You are basically walking a mile, but very briskly.  It isn't just walking.  She does side steps and those type of exercises as well.  Each mile is approx. 14 minutes.  I like it even when I am not pregnant.  It gets you breathing a little faster and breaking a light sweat, yet it isn't so hard that you dread doing it.  Her name is Leslie Sansone.  She has several DVDs out and I really like her and her stuff.  I got my first one for $10 at Target.  It has a warm-up, 5 different miles on it, a cool down, and she has a small segment at the end where she makes 5 different healthy breakfasts.  I really like it and would recommend it to anyone.  Of course, check with your doctor first.  I think your heart rate will stay within the recommended range.  But also remember that if you ever feel tired, dizzy or anything, listen to your body and take a break.  Good luck!

[NicMom]

Tryingforbaby2 brings up a good point! Talk to your dr! I talked to my dr at my first appointment to get her take on what I should and shouldn't do. Because I was active before I got pregnant she only asked me to keep my heart rate under control. Your medical situation may be different and so you should ask your OB at the next appointment.

[Tryingforbaby2]

My Dr said I can walk on the treadmill but not to go above level 3 and only 30 min at a time.

[NicMom]

Keep in mind the average pregnant woman burns 2100 calories a day. If you try to keep your calories under 2500 a day you should be able to maintain your current weight. Add to that walking for 30 minutes to an hour a few times a week and you should lose a little weight. That should off-set the baby weight gain you'll have. Walking is a great start. You can also try prenatal yoga. I do a combo of walking,  yoga and light weights. Good luck.

Oh most drs suggest keeping your heartrate under 140 so you should invest in a heart monitor before starting any exercise program.

[Clysta]

Hm. Well I know you can more or less continue any exercising that you did before you got pregnant. You just have to be careful with cardio (so your heart rate doesn't get too high) and weight lifting and such. If you didn't work out then, just take it slowly and don't overdue anything. Moderation in eating is also always key to helping.

[sherrycoup]

Thanks but with my dd i ate well was fit  and did not crave stuff and I gained 50lbs.  I don't want to happen agin with this one

[Clysta]

Well you don't even have to actually exercise while pregnant to not gain weight. You just have to eat decently and not overendulge in things. Some people just use it as an excuse to eat anything and everything in sight. You can look up different eating guides and such and ways to keep it so you gain the proper weight. Your doctor could also give you good information about what to do.